Germany’s Merck KGaA has now completed its $17 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich after clearing all anti-trust hurdles. With the integration of the US fine chemicals producer, Merck will have some 50,000 employees at 72 production sites in 67 countries and pro forma sales of its life sciences segment of €4.6 billion, based on 2014 figures. Consolidated group sales are expected to total €12.6-12.8 billion for full-year 2015.

Over the past decade, the German company that combines life sciences with pharmaceuticals chemicals has made transformational acquisitions and divestments worth a composite sum of €38 billion.